Launched in 2018 but looking almost identical to the original, 1979 model, the latest generation of the Mercedes G-Wagen is not that long in the tooth, despite its archaic-looking exterior design. That’s even more true for the mighty Mercedes-AMG G 63 in 4.0-litre V8 guise, which has only been available since 2019 and is currently selling like cupcakes.
In other words, apart from a couple of exceptions, such as the outdated infotainment system, the G-Class doesn’t really need a revamp, yet this is what Mercedes-Benz has started working on recently.
Caught during cold-weather testing, a camouflaged G63 was recently spotted by spy photographers, and it seems to feature quite a heavy amount of camouflage for what should essentially be a mild refresh.
There aren’t many ways in which Mercedes-Benz could redesign an icon of the automotive Bauhaus movement, so the second generation of the venerable off-roader is expected to remain largely untouched regarding its exterior design.
A slight revamp of the front and rear bumpers should happen, though, and the rear LED taillights might get a new look as well. The main changes are expected to happen inside and under that flat hood though, especially when it comes to the Mercedes-AMG G 63 flagship.
The interior will finally get the latest MBUX infotainment system, with the G-Wagen being the only current Mercedes without it, but Merc could go as far as completely redesign the centre console as well, mainly to include a giant touchscreen not unlike the one found in the latest S-Class, C-Class or even the SL Roadster.
The prototype has not sported ‘hybrid’ stickers, but that doesn’t mean that electricity won’t find its way under the hood of the G63, with a 48V mild-hybrid borrowed from models like the facelifted E63 to bring an additional 22 hp and 250 Nm of torque to the 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8.
The second variant of the G-Wagon – spotted at the same petrol station in Sweden – is the all-new G4x4 which will receive that new, still-hidden layout of the front grille, too. Based on the G 500 in Europe and known as the G 550 in the United States, the prototype features a roof rack with auxiliary lights up front and a full-size spare wheel affixed to the tailgate.
Like its predecessor, the new G4x4 will get side-exit pipes for the exhaust system, high out of harm’s way for the sake of off-roading. Given the considerable ground clearance of the G-Class 4×4, it doesn’t matter too much.
Based on the G63 6×6 AMG from a few years ago, those portal axles enabled a ground clearance of 450 millimetres and a fording depth of 1,000 millimetres for the previous-gen model. For reference, the Jeep Wrangler in Rubicon specification offers 274 and 762 millimetres respectively.
Opinions are still divided about what hides under the hood, though. Some say the 4×4 will be elevated to Mercedes-AMG levels of performance while others are more conservative, believing that the G 500 / G 550 will serve as the basis for this off-road leviathan. Nevertheless, you’ll be treated to a 4.0-litre V8 engine as well as a pair of turbos.
The M176 in the lesser models is rated at 416 horsepower and 610 Nm of torque, translating to 5.9 seconds to 100 km/h. The M177 from the AMG is punchier at 577 horsepower, 850 Nm and 4.5 seconds. Unfortunately, the G 350d and G 400d have slim to no chances at all of receiving the 4×4 treatment.
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